Brighton make move for Sheffield United's Jamie Murphy

HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club that Brighton & Hove Albion have made a bid for Sheffield United winger Jamie Murphy.

Murphy has established himself as one of the best players outside the top two tiers of English football after impressing at Sheffield United since his arrival from Motherwell in January 2013.

The 25-year-old caught the eye in United's cup runs in the last two seasons as he played an instrumental role in helping the club reach the FA Cup semi-finals last season and the Capital One Cup semi-finals this term.

The skilful wideman scored 12 goals this season and was a virtual ever-present as he played 58 games in all competitions for the Blades.

However, United face a battle to keep hold of the Scot following their failure to win promotion from League One this season and it has put Murphy's suitors on alert.

A number of Championship clubs are thought to be tracking Murphy, but Brighton are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by tabling an offer for the player.